Written by S.Siers

Throughout a history that spans more than 150 years, Cartier has always remained true to its reputation for pushing the boundaries of horological design and style. While other timepiece manufacturers work to build a following based solely on intricate movements and high-tech features, Cartier impresses watch admirers by expertly producing both supreme functionality and stunning visual appeal. No shrinking violet, Cartier makes a bold declaration about its staying power with every watch the company launches. The Calibre de Cartier is no exception with its daring good looks and precision functionality.

The Distinctive Calibre de Cartier Design

Reinvented for the refined yet active gents of the 21^st century, Cartier’s regular watchmaking codes have undergone a dramatic change for this particular model. No stranger to atypical case design, with models such as the square Santos and rectangular Tank Americane, Cartier chose the standard round design for its Calibre, but made sure to imbue the watch with a fusion of traditional and contemporary features.

The Case & Bracelet: The decent sized 44mm case with large lugs, certainly delivers a more masculine look. Cases range from steel to elegant pink gold and every combination in between. The watch bracelets come in leather alligator straps sporting an array of hues for the outdoor man or basic steel and pink gold for the man who wants to look good in any setting. At W1 Watches, we do however prefer the very comfortable leather strap!

The Dial & Bezel: Making a statement about the allure of pure excess, Cartier gave the Calibre a distinctive 12 o’clock in the form of an over-sized XII Roman numeral. To embellish this bold signature, the watch also boasts a sequence of grained finishes laid out in graceful arcs.  As for the Calibre’s bezel, Cartier chose to again place a masculine focus on the beauty of contrast. At the outer edge, the raised bezel is smooth, but as it nears the case, contrasting dynamics slide into view. Following a steep drop of 28 degrees, the bezel terminates at the case in a fluted ring stippled with 120 notches. Subtle and striking at once, this detail shows Cartier’s fearless approach to watch style and design.

New in house movement: With the launch of the Cartier de Calibre, Cartier introduced their much anticipated in house movement calibre, the 1904-PS MC  - a robust but thin bi-directional winding movement, with a power reserve of 48 hours and amplitude of 28.800 beats per hour.

Cartier de Calibre Ref: W7100014

The Cartier de Calibre W7100014 delivers on all levels, a steel encased timepiece on an alligator strap with adjustable deployment steel buckle. It features the recognisable Cartier heptagonal crown inlaid with a faceted blue spinel and sports a black and snailed opaline dial and a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal for optimum protection.  Top functional features include water resistance to 30 meters, the new in-house movement winding caliber 1904-PS MC, a calendar window at 3 o'clock and a seconds counter at 6 o'clock.  

The model manages to successfully merge sport and function with style and certainly wouldn’t look amiss amongst a collection of Rolex’s, Panerai’s or AP’s.  And with the W7100014 Calibre retailing at an affordable price of £4,300, it definitely adds to the appeal.

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